Yahoo Finance I’m an Airbnb Host: Save Money on Your Next Vacation Stay with These 7 Hacks
Airbnb has over 7 million vacation rentals in more than 220 countries and regions across the world. That’s a lot of options for those looking for a short- or even long-term stay somewhere away from home.
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Generally speaking, Airbnb is a cheaper alternative to higher-end hotels and resorts. But costs can really add up when you account for things like guest service fees, housekeeping and taxes.
That doesn’t mean you should stop using the platform, however. Staying at an Airbnb is a neat way to experience a new area while feeling more like a local than you would at most standard hotels.
Plus, there are ways to save on your next Airbnb stay. Want to know how? These are some of the best money-saving hacks to use next time you book a vacation stay with Airbnb, according to hosts Veronica Hanson and Mariana Leung.
Book Ahead of Time
Just like with your plane tickets and events, it’s a good idea to book your vacation home ahead of time. This will help you get the best price possible.
“Most Airbnb hosts have some sort of demand-based pricing set up either via Airbnb’s internal setting or external pricing companies,” said Veronica Hanson, the owner of an Airbnb located in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
“This means that as other accommodations get booked the price for that Airbnb you’ve been eyeing will go up the same as a hotel room would.”
Additionally, booking in advance can reduce stress since you’ll have your accommodations figured out — and paid for — early. And since you generally pay when you book, you can also spread out travel costs this way.
Pick Your Location and Date Wisely
It’s no secret that certain locations and times of the year are more in demand than others. But higher demand often means higher costs and more strain on your wallet.
You should still go where you want to go but consider picking a place that’s slightly out of the way. As long as you can still figure out the ground transportation without much hassle, you can have a great trip and save money.
“Try to take vacations to off-the-beaten-path places,” suggested Hanson. “An Airbnb in Seattle might be pricey, but one in Everett (approx. 29 miles north of Seattle) can save you a lot of money. The same holds true with most major cities and their respective suburbs.”
Depending on where you choose to stay, you might even get to enjoy the local life more than you expected.
As for the date, Hanson said to be flexible. “Your best strategy for saving money is to be flexible on both dates and destinations for your trip,” she added.
If you only have specific dates or locations for your trip, you might not have as many opportunities for discounts or lower prices.
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Split the Cost With Others
Part of what makes traveling fun is sharing the experience with friends and family members. You can also share the financial burden by booking an Airbnb together.
What’s even better is that staying together lets you enjoy the trip without your traveling companions being spread across different rooms or hotels.
“If you have multiple parties, splitting the cost of a larger rental is often a good value,” said Mariana Leung, the Airbnb host of Wicked Finch Farm in the Hudson Valley region of New York.
“Airbnbs are ideal for multiple families to share and split costs,” continued Hanson. “Consider finding large accommodations and travel with other family or friends to reduce the cost per person.”
Choose Affordable or Free Local Activities
If you’re traveling, you’re not going to be able to avoid spending money altogether. But you can save some money by choosing an Airbnb that’s located near wherever you want to spend most of your time.
“If you have planned activities, being centrally located to them saves on time [and] additional travel expenses — especially if you don’t have a car!” said Leung. “For example, our Airbnb is located across the road from a farm that offers apple picking, a pumpkin patch, doughnuts and free hayrides.”
Since there are so many Airbnb rentals, you’re bound to find one located near the hub of whatever activities you prefer. Take the beach, for example. You could save money on things like parking or other fees by choosing a conveniently located property.
“If you’re looking for beach time, stay at a home that includes beach passes and [is located] right by the beach if an oceanfront property is too expensive,” said Leung.
Take Advantage of Other Freebies
“Finding properties that offer unique experiences can be a value-added part of your getaway,” said Leung. “If your hosts have specific connections, offer their own products, can show you personalized itineraries, [etc.] …going the extra mile is what sets them apart from hotels.”
Many Airbnbs also come with other included amenities like parking, internet, cleaning supplies, dishes, toiletries and the like. This cuts down on the need to bring or buy your own goods or pay additional amenity fees.
Choose an Airbnb with a Fully-Equipped Kitchen
Cooking food at home rather than dining out is a great way to cut down on vacation costs. And while you might want to eat out once or twice during your stay, you can also enjoy a nice meal together at your vacation home.
“If the kitchen is well equipped and the home has great entertaining spaces, you can save money on restaurants by cooking or getting takeout,” said Leung. “Your host should [also] be able to recommend the best places to shop and eat for reasonable prices as a local.”
And if your host doesn’t have any specific recommendations, or if you’re in the mood for something else, Hanson has some advice.
“Restaurants in popular tourist areas are always the most expensive,” she said. “For dining on a budget, you should always look for transit stops nobody gets off at or neighborhoods not mentioned in any articles.”
According to Hanson, you can find the best prices and more local restaurants there.
Stay Longer
You’ll need to pay for each night you stay at an Airbnb, but longer stays are usually cheaper on a per-night basis than shorter ones.
“Nightly Airbnb rates are usually comparable to hotels, but long term stays often reduce the nightly rate dramatically,” said Hanson. “So, instead of visiting somewhere for a week, consider staying for a month and target accommodations that are in jurisdictions that only allow 30+ day rentals.”
If you go this route, take the time to lay out your travel itinerary and budget to see where else you can save money. This could mean choosing lower-cost activities, cooking most meals at your Airbnb and walking instead of taking public transit.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m an Airbnb Host: Save Money on Your Next Vacation Stay with These 7 Hacks
